Stories...

[Far Beyond Driven]

Let's face it, guys, people like us ain't normal. But despite the bad looks and the attitude that we receive, we have one thing others don't. Ever hear someone you know, casual acquaintance, family or stranger tell a story like, "I was in the gym, mall, watching tv, etc., and I saw this big ass dude lifting so much weight and he was huge and I couldn't beleive it, etc." Or, "My brother worked out with this guy for a while, and he said that he'd never seen anyone so big, etc." You see, no matter if you never see the lens of a camera or stage, or if you win locally, nationally, or the O, big shot, no shot, never gonna compete, or dominating the stage, we all have the opportunity to be the big dude someone saw at the gym and can't stop talking about, the guy whos story gets passed around until nobody can remember who actually saw it, the guy burned into the brain of a normal. Immortality is only one impression away, no matter if you make it in this sport or not. Can anyone other than us say that?

[Far Beyond Driven]

I'll tell you, there's truth to the phrase "behind every successful man is a better woman". My wife is always supportive of my bodybuilding. We have 3 kids, but she's up at 7 making my lunch and breakfast, all bodybuilding friendly. She makes sure I don't forget my paks or my tuna, and she cooks lean and healthy. She works out herself, and she has Nothing but respect for her own body. And when I ask her for her opinion, she won't blow smoke up my ass or stroke my ego. If it looks good, she says so. But she'll also tell me what to bring up to par or when to lose some fat. Anyone else got a woman like that?

[Dingo06]

Mines gettin there, she did the most important thing for me.
Im just gettin back on my feet after a stint with unemployment, been outa the gym for neat 18 months. She paid all my dues and got me back in this last monday!!! THe only thing she coulda done better would been to have built me a gym, haha.

[Far Beyond Driven]

That sounds like a keeper for sure, brother!

[Dingo06]

damn straight she is, shes been a good friend to me for the past 2 years when i was goin through my own shit, last december i decided to take it a step further and lifes just gettin better.

[Far Beyond Driven]

Good for you, man. Same with my wife. 7 years, and it just gets better when it's the right one. She still wants me to go further, acheive more. Can't even say that about most of my family.

[Dingo06]

haha shes the dessert at the end of the day after a good hearty steak (workout)

[Far Beyond Driven]

KNow what you mean man. My wife is into bellydancing. Do the math!

[Dingo06]

funny you should mention math, mines a math teacher!

[Far Beyond Driven]

HAH! That's classic!

[darkside64]

dude you are truley a blessed man. Dont ever take that for granted. Treat her the way she deserves to be treated; and yes I'm pretty fucking jealous

[k1usa]

I have a very supportrive girlfriend...soon to be my wife.....she understands my training...she admires what I have done with my body and spirit. We do not live together yet...but will when we announce our engagement...just being respectful to her parents.....oh yea...Im the old guy...the 53 year old that loves this shit....she is much younger...but loves my dedication to the gym and my health. Its funny...sometimes she will mention....our age difference...what she will be doing in say 20 years when Im...well do the math and she is....47.....she wonders what Ill be able to do....well.....at that age....my answer is.....maybe less weight...but Ill be pounding the weights...harder than ever...as I warn her....she better be able to keep up!!!!!.......I reccon we all know that being an iron animal is one way to be on top of the game...Sometimes she wants me to just take the night off from training and be with her...and I work with her on that...just to keep the peace...and it works just fine........

[Pokoritel]

I am still looking for someone who will put up with my life style. Recently my friend told me about this girl and he wants to hook me up with her. He said she is a very supportive girl who is looking for a serious relationship. I think I am going to meet her, hell I got nothing to lose. I hope it goes well. I wonder if she ever dated an Animal lol.

Other then that you guys are really lucky, and have a very special women in your lives. I would do anything to have that. So treat em well brothers.

[SomeDayI'llBeXL]

All you guys sound like you are blessed, especially you, Far Beyond Driven. Bellydancing, NICE. Im only 22 so wedding bells arent ringing yet, but who knows. I dont have a good woman behind me, I have an angel. If any of you read my post, "Just a Thank You," you know the shit I was in. Shes the one who helped me for those 2 weeks of hell and shes been behind me ever sense. She understands the alarm at 3:30am so I can get up and do cardio. She understands the early friday and saturday nights. I dont know what I did to deserve her, but I thank god for her.

[nawaaz]

Other then that you guys are really lucky, and have a very special women in your lives. I would do anything to have that. So treat em well brothers.


I'll second that. They are the rarest gems, and have to be kept real nicely. Still looking here, and I can only wish for one who is supportive.

[Dingo06]

I'm pretty internal guy, except for posting on here. So last night while I'm skimming the forum shes lookin over my shoulder.... As soon as I noticed I minimized the window. She asked me why I did that..... I felt a little embarrassed, almost like she found my journal or something private. I KNOW you guys read this but we are like minded in our love of the iron. I didn't think she would completely understand and might think it dumb of me.
I was wrong, she looked me in the eye and said "How could I ever believe that something you are so passionate about is dumb? It's helped to make you the man I love." I'm tellin ya, It was awesome!!!!!

[Paparue]

i found my a great girl, im very thankful because i am only 18. she buys me protien for every occasion (christmas, valentines day etc..). she is always hungry so i dont feel like a pig always eating. she motivates me and when im with her im stress free

[dragondad]

she is great. she knows the routine, eat, work, eat, work out, eat, ect, ect.. she normally doesn't complain when i work late and get home late from the gym. she has a set grocery list she buys every week at the store for me, she always asks if i need anything else or new from the store. she doesn't mind sharing the front seat with the iron goddess. she likes what she see's and like that i am happy doing what i'm doing and not at the bar or out fuckin around. been together for 20 years and married for 19. we have 4 beautiful children. i am a very lucky man. good luck finding yours.

peace

[Far Beyond Driven]

A recurring theme on this forvm is that people just don't understand us, especially loved ones. Or the half-assers at the gym, or coworkers looking at us as we eat tuna right out of the can. But I have an alternate theory. I think that they understand us just fine. It's the type of understanding that begets willful ignorance. They see us as those who have something that they will never have. And it's not even the envy of someone who witnesses a man winning the lottery. I'ts much worse. We're the ones who were offered the exact same thing as everyone else. It was ours for the taking, and hard as the work is, we took it. When they see us, they not only see themselves as they wished they could be, they see what they very easily could have been, had they simply put the work in and taken what was theirs. They see in us their own failure to themselves, their own self betrayal. And it's fight or flight. You can either fight it, or run away. These are the people that run. Evasion of truth, hard work, and responsibility. It's the most common of human traits. So in their own way, they stick their fingers in their ears and say LA LA LA LA LA... like one would when they want to block out a true statement that they don't wish to hear. Oh, yes. They understand us just fine, and it's the type of understanding that makes them wish they didn't. True ignorance would be much more merciful.

[Grantski]

nice perspective brother. Well said.

[Far Beyond Driven]

Thanks. We mortals may not become gods, but with enough work we may closely resemble them. That resemblance hurts those who haven't the heart to do it.

[Mean Machine]

Agreed

[feelthepain12]

Amen to that. Couldn't agree with you more

[J D R]

ure rite. i never have looked at it like that before but now i can see it clearly...great post bro keep it up

[darkside64]

Obviously people try to cover their weaknesses with false strengths. It's the same with clowns that put judgment on successful people. "Well if I had his money", "If I grew up in that family". People will always have an excuse ready of why they are bullshit. The could be's, would be's and should be's. True animal in my mind is looking in the mirror, and saying we got some work to do, now lets get it done.

[Toni69]

A recurring theme on this forvm is that people just don't understand us, especially loved ones. Or the half-assers at the gym, or coworkers looking at us as we eat tuna right out of the can. But I have an alternate theory. I think that they understand us just fine. It's the type of understanding that begets willful ignorance. They see us as those who have something that they will never have. And it's not even the envy of someone who witnesses a man winning the lottery. I'ts much worse. We're the ones who were offered the exact same thing as everyone else. It was ours for the taking, and hard as the work is, we took it. When they see us, they not only see themselves as they wished they could be, they see what they very easily could have been, had they simply put the work in and taken what was theirs. They see in us their own failure to themselves, their own self betrayal. And it's fight or flight. You can either fight it, or run away. These are the people that run. Evasion of truth, hard work, and responsibility. It's the most common of human traits. So in their own way, they stick their fingers in their ears and say LA LA LA LA LA... like one would when they want to block out a true statement that they don't wish to hear. Oh, yes. They understand us just fine, and it's the type of understanding that makes them wish they didn't. True ignorance would be much more merciful.


You, my friend, hit this right on the nose. I can relate and you have a way with words. Definitely like your style.

[Tron]

Incredible. Never thought of it in this way, but I can see it.

[Pokoritel]

well said brother. At time I do have ppl looking at me or talkin to me in such a way that they wished they were my size, but yet they dont go for it. I offer my services and yet they still continue to flight.

[Erik]

well said brother. At time I do have ppl looking at me or talkin to me in such a way that they wished they were my size, but yet they dont go for it. I offer my services and yet they still continue to flight.

I have gone through the same thing. Sometimes, people will start training, follow the advice and stop a month later. We do what we do because we have that burning desire to train. Makes me think that maybe we didnt choose the iron, it chose us.

[Ratch]

Sick thread, brother. I love it....no excuses...nobody to blame but yourself...damned right!

[Far Beyond Driven]

That's how it's gotta be, right? Take it or stop complaining.

[Ratch]

Absolutely. You know, I'm willing to say that this is my favorite thread on here, so far. I think I read it almost every time I get online....Great thread, bro.

[txpower]

a philosopher? nicely put brother.

[PikeBoy22]

It rings so true...beautiful

[TheNaturalG]

Great post. Honestly one of the best I have ever read.

[peterpyper]

well fukin put haha

[Jameson]

We mortals may not become gods, but with enough work we may closely resemble them.

What a sick quote!

[Far Beyond Driven]

a philosopher? nicely put brother.

Kind of. I mean, don't we all have to be philosophers to a great extent to see the beauty in this apparently ugly sport, to find the one reason to get that last rep, to not eat that pizza? I think we're more philosophical than most. Some philosophers say, "why?". Well, We know why.

[Testpolska]

Well said brother. You speak from the heart. I never thought about it that way.

[excessive endorphins]

I'm pretty internal guy, except for posting on here. So last night while I'm skimming the forum shes lookin over my shoulder.... As soon as I noticed I minimized the window. She asked me why I did that..... I felt a little embarrassed, almost like she found my journal or something private. I KNOW you guys read this but we are like minded in our love of the iron. I didn't think she would completely understand and might think it dumb of me.
I was wrong, she looked me in the eye and said "How could I ever believe that something you are so passionate about is dumb? It's helped to make you the man I love." I'm tellin ya, It was awesome!!!!!

hahah im the same way bro!

whenver my girl(pretty supportive,juss says dont get hurt ie,i moveweight) comes by the pc when im on at her house i exit or sumthing..or when ppl come by ion school..they juss dnt understand haha so i turn the screen

[Far Beyond Driven]

No matter how much negativity, strife, and soulwounds constantly assail us, there are always reasons to be joyous. I think of the body that we have been given. Infinitely adaptable, flexible and perfect in every detail. Quick to forgive abuses, rewarding to exercise and use. In its ability to feel pain, we get a taste of hell, with pleasure, a taste of heaven. Sculptable, moldable, like any art medium, it will be exactly as you make it. The mind we are given makes me happy when I think of it. It can make the body do what it will, even past the point of it's supposed structural limit. A hard, fast, lean body that looks like a bullet wouldn't have a prayer is an icon representing the mind behind it. I love it's capability of the highest levels of critical thought, or the most mindless savagery in the face of crushing amounts of physical duress. Both of these things are absolutely necessary to make the body what it ought to be. I'm joyous about the life we get to live. Workouts change, routines change, but the commitment remains the same. The life is an anchor keeping us from drifting away, and the constant changes in exercise routines, diet, and intensity are the waves that rock us and keep us from being bored. Constant thought, constant motion, both things synergistically keeping mind and body healthy. Lastly, the influences you will make. The mere sight of you can do nothing else but encourage the betterment of those gazing upon you. If they actually wish your advice/instruction, the effect is tenfold. The things you show children, especially your own. To be on your deathbed, and as you draw your terminal breath, your three happy, strong, confident sons put their 19 inch arms around you and say, "thank you, dad." Even in death, we all here have reason to be joyous.

[Far Beyond Driven]

It starts as soon as you begin the drive to work. Sippin' the coffee and jammin' out to hatebreed. The thoughts begin to surface. The after work back session. All day, all you can think about is yanking that 385 off the ground for 5 reps. Just one more than last week. You perform the brake jobs and oil changes flawlessly. You've done so many of them, there's no thought involved. Just the thought of the weights. Shit, 4:30. Time for protein, creatine, glutamine, and arginine. Whack that shit down, and clean your lift. Pushing that broom and squegee is a nice little back warmup. Jump in the car, rev that mother, and get your ass to the gym. 1 hard day's work in the bag. Now it's time to do something useful. You drive at about 10 mph over the speed limit, Pantera, this time. Just right for preworkout aggression. The people on the highway are slow as fuck. The loud music, coupled with the slow pace they've set enrages you more than you already are. It's the greatest metaphor of these people's lives. Their drive has a destination, just like yours, but you feel like you're the only one GOING SOMEWHERE. Ah, finally, the gym. No time to waste, change quick and get out there. Rows to stretch it out and get started, pulldowns to torch the lats, and other wonderful ways to make your rear torso feel alive, and half dead all at the same time. All, done kids. Time for the coup de' grace. Deadlifts. After a few warmup sets, and a few working sets, you go for the magic number, the one that has dominated all of your thoughts since 6 am. 385x5. Squat over that bar, and crank up the ipod. Slayer, this time. Look in the mirror quick before you yank it, knowing the reflection you see after your set will be a stronger one than you see right now. Yank it. One. BANG! it hits the floor. Two. BANG! People are starting to look at you out of the corner of their eyes. Three. BANG! Your shins are a little tore up, and theres some blood. Four. BANG! People have dropped all pretenses of indirect observation, and they're openly looking. All you can think of is that last rep. Blood is flowing from the shins pretty good by now. Five. BANG! Stand up and look in the mirror. You just got stronger. Wipe off the bar, rack your weights, and head to the locker room. Choke down the postworkout supplementation, and head home. Sublime in the car now, no need to hurry. The work is done. Time to eat, rest, sleep. All. Done. Until tomorrow. Leg day. Ahhh, shit. The thoughts are already coming.

[eblnyc]

slayer and pantera two of my favorite bands. nice...

[Pokoritel]

lol damn right bro. We keep thinking about the sessions and what it will be like all day. But once that session is done we start thinking about tomorrow lol.

[MassMonster]

haha love back day especially deads.... chains slapped on both sides... pure power.... good post bro fired up as fuck now...

[Achilles]

be demons be fucking driven, damn right!

[Far Beyond Driven]

fuck, sometimes you just gotta let it fly, man!

[bigrhino]

haha love back day especially deads.... chains slapped on both sides... pure power.... good post bro fired up as fuck now...

be demons be fucking driven, damn right!

fuck, sometimes you just gotta let it fly, man!

what the hell? you guys keep tossing 'fuck' around more, it is going to lose all meaning. what word will we need then? megafuck?

[Far Beyond Driven]

supercalafragaliscticexpialafuckus. Or something like that.

[rcrott1]

Nice post.

[darkside64]

haha I like the sublime after the workout. Nothing like chillin hard after bustin your ass hard.

[Far Beyond Driven]

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall. Who is the most Animal of them all?
"If you have to ask, it sure as shit ain't you", replied the mirror.

'Nuff said. I'm sure you all get the point.

[Far Beyond Driven]

I'm in the gym. I'm about to have the perfect set. Shoulder front presses. I sit on the bench, and I'm reminded of my foundation. My old man beating a work ethic into me. My faith. My family. I grip the bar. I'm reminded of all the fear and anticipation that always came before any challenge. I look into the mirror in front of me. I'm grateful that I'm able to be a man who can do that, and not shy away. First rep, I think of all the weak who can't do this. Not because they wouldn't, but because they can't. Cancer patients, AIDS victims, amputee soldiers who would have gladly died for me, and very nearly did. This rep gets me nice and angry for the second rep. The second rep is for the lazy. The willfully weak. Those who have it all, but won't lift a finger. Third rep. This is a special one. This is for my boys, who look up to me as a beast, but know that there's nothing I wouldn't sacrifice for them. Fourth rep is for all the unimaginable things that you wish you could unsee, the one that leads you to failure, reminding you of the strength of evil in this world. Then, just before you think the bar will never go up again, that the darkness has won, the spotter helps the rep out, reminding you that no matter how hard things get, someone will always be there for you. There's a lesson in every set.

[Pokoritel]

Nice post brother.

[dwingman]

Well said.

[Roland]

Awesome bro....thats some motivation right there.

[Bus]

that's awesome stuff man, that really spoke to me...thanks bro

[Jonisocool]

that's awesome stuff man, that really spoke to me...thanks bro

my thoughts as well.

[Riesjs]

perfect.

[0smitty]

i found my a great girl, im very thankful because i am only 18. she buys me protien for every occasion (christmas, valentines day etc..). she is always hungry so i dont feel like a pig always eating. she motivates me and when im with her im stress free

*laughing my ass off!!!* Dude, that's friggin' AWESOME!!! A girl that gets ya supps as presents, now THAT'S a keeper!!!

[Machine]

I knew a guy named Paul...I was alot younger than him and he was at the top of the sport so to speak. Many , many people expected great things from him. For a while he looked like he was poised for unstopable success...I was glad because I knew him well and thought his soul was good. He was riding high and times were good..."friends" surrounded him everywhere...and those who were not his "friend" wished they could be. Everyone got their piece of the pie...as they always do. Over the years he provided me with support and council when I needed it. We made time to catch up when we could and I became worried as I saw signs of the pressure making him behave in ways that were unusual for him. His decline in the sport was not met by the same fanfare as was his ascendance in it...he waged daily war on his demons and they chased him relentlessly for many years. Some serious trouble and some prison time did not do him any good...he was growing old and tired and I felt in my gut that something was coming. Fast forward to the Arnold Classic in 2005...I was getting into the elevator on my way up to my room after a long day...I remember rubbing my eyes as the elevator doors were closing. An instant before they shut fully...a hand came between them and pulled them open...I looked up and in front of me was Paul. I smiled big and felt instantly refreshed and at ease to see a friend...he looked good physically but his eyes were not the same as I remembered them. He smiled back at me and threw his arms around me...as he drew back he said "can you get me a job , big guy...I'll work for food." We both laughed...but it wasnt fucking funny. He was serious...Paul had come the Arnold to see if he could get a company to take a chance on him...he wanted to make a comeback...he thought that maybe if he could get back to a place where things made sense...then maybe he could pick up the broken pieces of his life. I know how he felt...so many times it was clear to me that I was good and right and at home in the weightroom...everything just kind of made sense in there...but as soon as I walked out into the world , I was so very bad everywhere else...so many times I thought of him and told myself " that could easily be me ." We talked for a long time that night...there were smiles and memories of better times...I truely felt a great debt to him for times when he was there for me...I was a kid...he was a legend. I was excited to see him back and we planned to unleash him again...we planned for him to take back his place in the sport and in the world...I was going to call everyone I knew to try and get him a sponsor...I was confident he could do it...maybe he was ready. I walked him to the elevator...and as the doors closed I looked in his eyes and saw a man who was lost...he couldnt find his way. I stood there for a while debating going after him...but to say what? To do what? I was confident then , and I remain confident that every man must find his own way...ultimately , we are alone...I was ready to support him...but he would have to do the gut work. Weeks after that I kept up with him and we planned a training video and some appearances for him... Then suddenly I was struck with some health problems of my own and my full attention was on my recovery...I was feeling better and on my way to a full recovery...so you can imagine the feeling I got in my guts when I clicked on my computer and saw his death announcement in bold print. A man...a legend...he was injured and lost...but he was never...ever a victim of circumstance...until the end , he was stronger than even he knew. He never gave a thought for himself and his own well being for even an instant...a leader to the very end. It saddened and angered me greatly to have to read the harsh and disrepectful comments that were posted and written about him daily. I can remember how everyone clammered over him in the old days...like I said...everyone got a piece of the pie. I thought about him in the lobby of the convention center in Columbus...standing there with that lost look on his face...depending on the kindness of people who once opened doors for him...I seethed with anger and I still do...the lesson is clear to me and it should be to you as well. There is no pain greater than that which we inflict on ourselves...he bought in to the full boat...he believed the hype...then I had to watch him learn the hardest lesson of all. Your only as good...as they let you be. I never bought in like he did...but there is a way to keep your soul...there is a way to run between the rain drops...it was too late for Paul...it is never too late for any of us above ground to accept responsibilty for our own fears and desires. He seemed so suprised at how lonely it was when everyone turned thier back on you. It is imperative to keep your intuition and instincts pure and clean...it is so very important to be at peace with the person that you are...you cannot sell yourself to anyone...if you dont love who you are down deep. Train hard...think hard...bow to no man...no matter the cost.

A warrior walked this earth from september 12 , 1967
Until June 2 , 2005 : Thanks for showing the world how to fight hard and teaching me a valuable lesson. Sometimes even when you win...you still lose...

MACHINE

[Pizzalamp]

[QUOTE=Machine;192323]I knew a guy named Paul...I was alot younger than him and he was at the top of the sport so to speak. Many , many people expected great things from him. For a while he looked like he was poised for unstopable success...I was glad because I knew him well and thought his soul was good. He was riding high and times were good..."friends" surrounded him everywhere...and those who were not his "friend" wished they could be. Everyone got their piece of the pie...as they always do. Over the years he provided me with support and council when I needed it. We made time to catch up when we could and I became worried as I saw signs of the pressure making him behave in ways that were unusual for him. His decline in the sport was not met by the same fanfare as was his ascendance in it...he waged daily war on his demons and they chased him relentlessly for many years. Some serious trouble and some prison time did not do him any good...he was growing old and tired and I felt in my gut that something was coming. Fast forward to the Arnold Classic in 2005...I was getting into the elevator on my way up to my room after a long day...I remember rubbing my eyes as the elevator doors were closing. An instant before they shut fully...a hand came between them and pulled them open...I looked up and in front of me was Paul. I smiled big and felt instantly refreshed and at ease to see a friend...he looked good physically but his eyes were not the same as I remembered them. He smiled back at me and threw his arms around me...as he drew back he said "can you get me a job , big guy...I'll work for food." We both laughed...but it wasnt fucking funny. He was serious...Paul had come the Arnold to see if he could get a company to take a chance on him...he wanted to make a comeback...he thought that maybe if he could get back to a place where things made sense...then maybe he could pick up the broken pieces of his life. I know how he felt...so many times it was clear to me that I was good and right and at home in the weightroom...everything just kind of made sense in there...but as soon as I walked out into the world , I was so very bad everywhere else...so many times I thought of him and told myself " that could easily be me ." We talked for a long time that night...there were smiles and memories of better times...I truely felt a great debt to him for times when he was there for me...I was a kid...he was a legend. I was excited to see him back and we planned to unleash him again...we planned for him to take back his place in the sport and in the world...I was going to call everyone I knew to try and get him a sponsor...I was confident he could do it...maybe he was ready. I walked him to the elevator...and as the doors closed I looked in his eyes and saw a man who was lost...he couldnt find his way. I stood there for a while debating going after him...but to say what? To do what? I was confident then , and I remain confident that every man must find his own way...ultimately , we are alone...I was ready to support him...but he would have to do the gut work. Weeks after that I kept up with him and we planned a training video and some appearances for him... Then suddenly I was struck with some health problems of my own and my full attention was on my recovery...I was feeling better and on my way to a full recovery...so you can imagine the feeling I got in my guts when I clicked on my computer and saw his death announcement in bold print. A man...a legend...he was injured and lost...but he was never...ever a victim of circumstance...until the end , he was stronger than even he knew. He never gave a thought for himself and his own well being for even an instant...a leader to the very end. It saddened and angered me greatly to have to read the harsh and disrepectful comments that were posted and written about him daily. I can remember how everyone clammered over him in the old days...like I said...everyone got a piece of the pie. I thought about him in the lobby of the convention center in Columbus...standing there with that lost look on his face...depending on the kindness of people who once opened doors for him...I seethed with anger and I still do...the lesson is clear to me and it should be to you as well. There is no pain greater than that which we inflict on ourselves...he bought in to the full boat...he believed the hype...then I had to watch him learn the hardest lesson of all. Your only as good...as they let you be. I never bought in like he did...but there is a way to keep your soul...there is a way to run between the rain drops...it was too late for Paul...it is never too late for any of us above ground to accept responsibilty for our own fears and desires. He seemed so suprised at how lonely it was when everyone turned thier back on you. It is imperative to keep your intuition and instincts pure and clean...it is so very important to be at peace with the person that you are...you cannot sell yourself to anyone...if you dont love who you are down deep. Train hard...think hard...bow to no man...no matter the cost.

A warrior walked this earth from september 12 , 1967
Until June 2 , 2005 : Thanks for showing the world how to fight hard and teaching me a valuable lesson. Sometimes even when you win...you still lose...

Wow
Thanks for sharing Machine-puts stuff in perspective in life...

[MetalAsh12]

I knew a guy named Paul...I was alot younger than him and he was at the top of the sport so to speak. Many , many people expected great things from him. For a while he looked like he was poised for unstopable success...I was glad because I knew him well and thought his soul was good. He was riding high and times were good..."friends" surrounded him everywhere...and those who were not his "friend" wished they could be. Everyone got their piece of the pie...as they always do. Over the years he provided me with support and council when I needed it. We made time to catch up when we could and I became worried as I saw signs of the pressure making him behave in ways that were unusual for him. His decline in the sport was not met by the same fanfare as was his ascendance in it...he waged daily war on his demons and they chased him relentlessly for many years. Some serious trouble and some prison time did not do him any good...he was growing old and tired and I felt in my gut that something was coming. Fast forward to the Arnold Classic in 2005...I was getting into the elevator on my way up to my room after a long day...I remember rubbing my eyes as the elevator doors were closing. An instant before they shut fully...a hand came between them and pulled them open...I looked up and in front of me was Paul. I smiled big and felt instantly refreshed and at ease to see a friend...he looked good physically but his eyes were not the same as I remembered them. He smiled back at me and threw his arms around me...as he drew back he said "can you get me a job , big guy...I'll work for food." We both laughed...but it wasnt fucking funny. He was serious...Paul had come the Arnold to see if he could get a company to take a chance on him...he wanted to make a comeback...he thought that maybe if he could get back to a place where things made sense...then maybe he could pick up the broken pieces of his life. I know how he felt...so many times it was clear to me that I was good and right and at home in the weightroom...everything just kind of made sense in there...but as soon as I walked out into the world , I was so very bad everywhere else...so many times I thought of him and told myself " that could easily be me ." We talked for a long time that night...there were smiles and memories of better times...I truely felt a great debt to him for times when he was there for me...I was a kid...he was a legend. I was excited to see him back and we planned to unleash him again...we planned for him to take back his place in the sport and in the world...I was going to call everyone I knew to try and get him a sponsor...I was confident he could do it...maybe he was ready. I walked him to the elevator...and as the doors closed I looked in his eyes and saw a man who was lost...he couldnt find his way. I stood there for a while debating going after him...but to say what? To do what? I was confident then , and I remain confident that every man must find his own way...ultimately , we are alone...I was ready to support him...but he would have to do the gut work. Weeks after that I kept up with him and we planned a training video and some appearances for him... Then suddenly I was struck with some health problems of my own and my full attention was on my recovery...I was feeling better and on my way to a full recovery...so you can imagine the feeling I got in my guts when I clicked on my computer and saw his death announcement in bold print. A man...a legend...he was injured and lost...but he was never...ever a victim of circumstance...until the end , he was stronger than even he knew. He never gave a thought for himself and his own well being for even an instant...a leader to the very end. It saddened and angered me greatly to have to read the harsh and disrepectful comments that were posted and written about him daily. I can remember how everyone clammered over him in the old days...like I said...everyone got a piece of the pie. I thought about him in the lobby of the convention center in Columbus...standing there with that lost look on his face...depending on the kindness of people who once opened doors for him...I seethed with anger and I still do...the lesson is clear to me and it should be to you as well. There is no pain greater than that which we inflict on ourselves...he bought in to the full boat...he believed the hype...then I had to watch him learn the hardest lesson of all. Your only as good...as they let you be. I never bought in like he did...but there is a way to keep your soul...there is a way to run between the rain drops...it was too late for Paul...it is never too late for any of us above ground to accept responsibilty for our own fears and desires. He seemed so suprised at how lonely it was when everyone turned thier back on you. It is imperative to keep your intuition and instincts pure and clean...it is so very important to be at peace with the person that you are...you cannot sell yourself to anyone...if you dont love who you are down deep. Train hard...think hard...bow to no man...no matter the cost.

A warrior walked this earth from september 12 , 1967
Until June 2 , 2005 : Thanks for showing the world how to fight hard and teaching me a valuable lesson. Sometimes even when you win...you still lose...

MACHINE


The message you convey here is very applicable to all of us; don't let others get you down and NEVER let anyone else tell you what you can or cannot do.

[AnthonyB]

damn machine. thanks for posting that. seriously

[Liftbig21]

Goosebumps..

..Thanks Machine.

[Fury317]

Possibly speaking of Paul Demayo? Great bodybuilder. Insane quads.